Why Did Persia Change Its Name to Iran?

March 6, 2026

For centuries, the country now known as Iran was called Persia in the Western world. The name Persia appeared in history books, diplomatic documents, and cultural references across Europe and beyond. Yet today the country is internationally recognized as Iran. So what caused the change?

The Name Iran Is Much Older

Although the world used the name Persia for centuries, people living in the region had long referred to their country as Iran. The word comes from an ancient term meaning “Land of the Aryans,” referring to Indo-Iranian peoples who settled the region thousands of years ago.

Why the West Used Persia

The name Persia came from the region of Pars, home of the Persian people. Greek historians used the term when describing the powerful empire of Cyrus the Great. Over time, the name Persia became widely used across the Western world.

The Official Change in 1935

In 1935, Iran’s ruler Reza Shah asked foreign governments to use the name Iran in official communications. The change reflected the country’s internal name and also supported a growing sense of national identity.

Persia Still Lives in Culture

Today the country is officially called Iran, but the word Persia remains common when referring to its culture and history — such as Persian poetry, Persian carpets, and Persian architecture.

✨ Published by AIFdot

Disclosure: This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Historical interpretations may vary across sources and regions.